FOLLOWING clarification by the deputy prime minister’s (DPM) office that only new beneficiaries would receive their disability and elderly grants this month, their first payments have been delayed due to system glitches.
The office had indicated that only beneficiaries registered between November and December would receive the grants this month, as those already on the system received payments twice in December.
However, yesterday the office informed new beneficiaries under the disability and elderly grants that their payments would be delayed.
“The DPM’s office together with the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP), wishes to inform the elderly and persons with disabilities who applied to be included on the list of beneficiaries for the elderly and disability grants that there are system glitches on government machines programmed to vet the applications,” reads the notice.
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The notice further appealed for patience from the public as efforts were being made to resolve the system glitches. It stated that the announcement was directed to beneficiaries who were due to receive the grants for the first time.
Persons with disabilities receive E400, while the elderly get E600 as a monthly grant. For one to qualify to be a beneficiary under the elderly grant, they have to be above the age of 60, while those with disabilities have to be examined and diagnosed with a disability.
However, elderly beneficiaries already on government payroll did not receive their grant this month, as they were paid twice last month, covering both December and January. They are scheduled to receive their next payment on February 5.
“The office will inform all those affected by this inconvenience once the situation returns to normal, following the repair of the system,” reads the notice.
The office apologised to the elderly and persons with disabilities for the inconvenience and thanked them for their cooperation as efforts continue to resolve the matter.
Meanwhile, RSTP Senior Communications Officer Senzo Malaza assured the public that they were working alongside the DPM’s office to make sure that the issue was resolved.
